Chino, California: Week 71

It's been a good week! A very tiring one too. Usually on the mission it's been a struggle to find enough things to do every day to keep busy, but it hasn't been that way recently! 

We did a service project with Guard a Heart, helping them set up and take down some tents where they gave free covid tests to people. Speaking of which, I guess the covid vaccine just opened up more and so now missionaries can get it. All the missionaries in the mission were told to get it, but when I tried to set up an appointment it was booked everywhere in our zone. 

We also did several exchanges this week. So on Friday I spent the day with an elder from Arizona who I actually have a lot in common with, and Saturday with an elder from Utah. I think it's pretty crazy that I still haven't had a companion from Utah. We also did a lot of Facebook and technology training to get Elder Simons set up to use Facebook. 

Elder Simons is really liking the mission so far! And I'm really enjoying introducing him to the ward members and the ways of missionary life.

Have a good week! 

Elder Clayton

Երեց Քլեյթոն

 Chino, California: Week 70

Well, I've got my new greenie! And he's awesome.

We went and dropped off Elder Bastian at the airport early Tuesday morning, and found out I'd be meeting my new companion at 6:00 that evening. So I spent some of the day with Elder Bell (who happens to be my trainer), then drove up to the office with some other elders at 6. They had a really cool little ceremony for all the trainers and trainees to get paired up, but President pulled me aside and said my companion's flight was delayed and that we should go pick him up from the airport at 8:30. He didn't end up getting in until 9:30, so we just drove straight home after that. 

His name is Elder Simons. He has 7 brothers and 4 sisters (3 of which are adopted). 12 kids in total! Also you know David and Goliath? That's basically me and him because he is 6'4 hahaha. He absolutely towers over me! 

It's been a good week, but I have to admit, I haven't been this exhausted in a long time! Training a new missionary is a lot of work! But I'm super thankful for all the nice members of this ward, and the awesome friends we're meeting with. That makes all the difference. I know the Lord will help me as long as I continue to reach out in faith and do what he asks of me. It's gonna be a good transfer.

I love you all, have a great week! 

Elder Clayton

Երեց Քլեյթոն

- Me with Elder Simons

- On his first full day he spotted a brick that says Simons on it! 

 Chino, California: Week 69

Well, we got transfer calls on Saturday! And I'm going to have a son! I'm staying here in San Antonio ward and training a brand new missionary. He won't be Armenian speaking, because I found out the 5 new Armenian missionaries won't be coming here. They're going to Armenia, which just opened back up. It's a bit sad we won't be getting those reinforcements over here, but it's really exciting they'll get to go to Armenia! Countries are opening back up very rapidly, there's a whole bunch of missionaries returning to their original assignments. It means the Arcadia mission's probably going to shrink quite a bit, but it's worth it for sure.

I have to admit, spending a 4th transfer in this ward is a lot. I hope I get sent somewhere else after this, but thankfully it's an awesome ward, and we're teaching some awesome people. Last night a family in the ward hosted a pi day party and we went and ate a bunch of pie. I'm nervous to start training tomorrow, but excited too. I think it'll be a good transfer.

Have a good week!

Elder Clayton

Երեց Քլեյթոն

 Chino, California: Week 68

Wow, it seems like time just keeps going faster and faster the longer I stay out here.

It's been a pretty good week. One day we were just out and about walking around, and we came across some members of our ward who waved us over and asked us to give a priesthood blessing to an older woman (also in our ward) who had just fallen and gotten hurt. We of course said yes, and were able to give her a blessing. It was cool because we just happened to be there at just the right moment, plus it was a street that we almost never walk down.

Another highlight of the week was zone conference. We did a zoom portion on Monday night, and my companion gave a bomb talk about justice and mercy. Then on Thursday we did an in-person portion with 2 other zones, which was the first in-person one since before covid a year ago! It was so awesome getting to see a whole bunch of other missionaries again! We got trained on how to use Facebook better, among other things. 

We also went to a Vietnamese restaurant to try Pho, which was really good! I'd definitely get it again.

Elder Clayton

Երեց Քլեյթոն

 Chino, California: Week 67

This morning we went and played frisbee golf, which I haven't played for years. It was a lot of fun, even though I was pretty awful at it. 

Also, this week has been a good one for service projects. We got to mow someone's lawn, pack boxes of food for Salvation Army, and scanned books to put up for sale in the thrift store. It's actually really nice to be able to get out of the normal daily routine and do some cool service projects. In terms of having lessons with people, this week was a little slow. But we have some lessons upcoming this week that I'm excited for.

Sorry, this week's email will have to be a little short. But have a good week!

Elder Clayton

Երեց Քլեյթոն

Pictures:

My comp made me an awesome omelet.

Found a mini fridge on the road. It doesn't work unfortunately